SB 1498 prohibits Oklahoma employers (both public and private) from asking about an applicant's criminal history or obtaining criminal record information before making a conditional job offer. Employers may only ask about criminal convictions that would legally disqualify someone for a specific job under federal, state, or local law. The law does not apply to "sensitive positions" (like school staff, law enforcement, or roles involving vulnerable adults) or jobs where law requires criminal record checks. It takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1450 allows Oklahoma courts to waive criminal court fines, costs, and fees for eligible individuals who meet specific payment and compliance requirements. It creates two pathways: (1) waiving costs after 24 months of timely monthly payments following release from prison, or (2) waiving costs after 48 months of timely payments within the prior 60 months, both requiring full probation/supervision compliance. The bill excludes restitution to victims and child support from waiver eligibility, and requires individuals released from prison to report to courts 180 days post-release to address outstanding debts. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
HB 2993 creates 11 rural law enforcement coordination districts across Oklahoma, each covering specific counties (e.g., District 1 includes Washington and Craig Counties). It establishes law enforcement coordinators for each district - requiring 10 years of experience or certification - to serve as liaisons, assist agencies with grant applications for personnel/equipment, and provide technical support. The bill also creates a dedicated "Rural Law Enforcement Coordination Revolving Fund" in the State Treasury to finance coordinator salaries and district operations. This fund is a continuing account not subject to annual budget limits. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1596 extends the time limit for prosecuting certain serious crimes in Oklahoma. It allows prosecutions for sexual crimes against children (like rape or child pornography) to be filed until the victim's 45th birthday, and increases the timeframe for crimes like embezzlement of school district funds, Medicaid fraud, and falsification of public records from 5 to 7 years after discovery. The bill also allows prosecutions based on DNA evidence or a confession at any time, while requiring independent evidence for cases relying solely on recovered memories. The changes take effect November 1, 2026.
SB 1922 requires Oklahoma's Department of Corrections to publicly share two specific types of inmate information: (1) programs inmates participated in (such as work or education), and (2) any disciplinary actions taken against them. This applies directly to the public, who will gain access to these records through the Department's website or other public channels. The bill mandates the Department to create rules for implementing this transparency measure and takes effect on November 1, 2026. It does not change sentencing, prison conditions, or other operational aspects of corrections.
HB 3905 would require Oklahoma courts to mandate GPS monitoring devices for individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses as a standard condition of release or probation, unless the court determines it is unnecessary. This directly affects domestic violence offenders under court supervision and the judicial system managing their cases. The key provision establishes GPS tracking as a default measure, with judges retaining discretion to waive it for specific reasons. The policy aims to enhance victim safety by providing real-time location data of offenders.
HB 3206 requires the removal of Council on Judicial Complaints members who fail to properly discipline judicial staff or judges (positions under the Court on the Judiciary) accused of serious ethical violations or felony crimes. The Attorney General must investigate complaints and, if reasonable cause exists, file a Supreme Court case to remove the council member. Removal procedures follow existing rules in Oklahoma Statutes Title 51, Sections 95-105. The bill takes effect November 1, 2026, directly affecting council members and judicial personnel subject to disciplinary oversight.
SB 1636 creates a formal process for reviewing cold cases at the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). It defines "cold cases" as violent crimes with exhausted leads and unidentified perpetrators, and establishes that immediate family members can request a "case file review" of these cases. The bill requires the OSBI to complete reviews within 60 days (with possible 30-day extensions), mandates coordination with law enforcement, and sets specific criteria for when reviews can be initiated. This procedural bill directly affects families of cold case victims by providing a structured way to seek updates on unresolved investigations.
HB 3321 creates new enforcement tools for unpaid court fines, fees, and costs (not restitution). It allows courts to issue "cost arrest warrants" or "cost cite and release warrants" if people miss payment plans or required hearings, and mandates that courts inform defendants about payment options and cost hearings at sentencing. The bill requires courts to hold "cost hearings" to determine if defendants can pay, considering income, expenses, dependents, and government assistance (like disability benefits, TANF, or HUD housing). People receiving certain federal/state aid or earning below 150% of the poverty level are automatically eligible for debt relief. The bill repeals outdated sections about court cost compliance.
HB 3756 modifies Oklahoma's bail procedures for defendants charged with domestic violence, substance offenses, or repeat crimes. It requires courts to consider specific risk factors (like domestic violence history, substance dependence, or weapon access) when setting bail conditions, particularly in felony cases involving domestic abuse or stalking. The bill also creates a new provision: defendants admitted to bail must sign an advance waiver of extradition if they flee the state, automatically waiving their right to contest extradition upon apprehension in another jurisdiction. These changes apply to felony cases where bail is granted, directly affecting defendants in these specific criminal categories.
